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Apryl Marie

About Me:

I moved to Birmingham in May 2013 after more than 10 years working in conservative politics in Florida and Washington, D.C. I'm a small government, fiscal and constitutional conservative with some libertarian leanings added in for good measure.

Over the weekend, I went to see "50 Shades of Grey" with a diverse group of 4 women, an AL.Com reporter and photographer. You can see that story and my immediate thoughts in the video above. According to my Facebook stream, half the women I know around my age saw it and opinions ranged from rave reviews to declarations that... Full story »

I'm a young, white, Catholic, politically conservative woman. I am active in the Tea party. I am active in our community. I am 100 percent against police violence and brutality. I'm against racial discrimination and offensive and ill-informed stereotypes. Trust me, I've seen my share of hate and ignorance for embracing the Tea Party label. When Michael Brown was... Full story »

Archibald makes a lot of sense. I love it when I get to use those words. I don't always agree with him but on his latest series highlighting the out-of-control spending by Mayor Bell he is spot on. We should all strive to find common ground with those whose opinions often differ our own. If in D.C. or even... Full story »

Let me get this straight: The Democrat running for governor went on an extreme conservative talk radio show where the host is known for wild antics and an in-your-face style. He was "shockingly" ambushed by antagonistic questions he wished wasn't asked. He, after the interview, verbally lashes out at said radio host, who files a police report for "threats"?... Full story »

I've been intrigued by the ongoing discussion about a state education lottery. In a completely unscientific poll, AL.com readers seem to overwhelmingly support this. Among the loudest critics are folks that I agree with on eight out of 10 issues, but not this one; at least not for the reasons they are citing. Conservatives against the lottery note that this... Full story »

I was on my way to dinner when the radio brought word that Robin Williams was dead, suspected of committing suicide. My Facebook and Twitter feeds quickly filled up with notes about his talent, larger-than-life personality and the joy he brought to many. Inevitably, many of these posts also talked about the need for mental health support. This is not... Full story »

Before I moved to Birmingham, I came through several times to visit my best friend. Each time the restaurants and shops of Mountain Brook blended into our schedule, along with visits to downtown Birmingham and other areas of the region. Whiskey at Dram, a nail appointment at Richard Joseph, dinner at Chez Lulu and always a stop by Church... Full story »

I went to the Capitol to stand with other concerned parents and I looked around and waited for you to weigh in but you remained largely silent. The time for legislation this year has passed but the time for action has not. Full story »

I agree with the fundamental principle that marriage is a covenant based on one's faith or religion. Which is why I believe that if a same-sex couple can find a church, minister or clergyman to officiate a service and recognize their unions as a marriage, who is to say it's not. Full story »

EPA efforts have the potential and are on track to change everything from the cars we drive to the cost of our utility bills. It seems to me you'd have to be mad as a hatter to ignore their history and their on going efforts. Full story »

Thank you, Alvin, for bringing families together as an indirect result of your ridiculously unfounded and untrue missive. You have brought the issue of adoption and fostering to the forefront. You have given parents a reason to talk about how not all families look alike, and it is love and not hate that should motivate us Full story »

We don't need term limits. We need enough voters paying attention, as they did in 2010 to just vote the bad members out. An informed and involved electorate will impose their own term limits. Full story »